News

Five young sailors will represent Western Cape Province at the 7th Qingdao International Sailing Week, which will be held in Qingdao, China from 7 to 17 August 2015. Bev Le Sueur, Chairperson of South African Sailing (SAS) in the Western Cape stated, “these youngsters were selected from over sixty eight sailors in the Western Cape and will face tough competition in China from other sailing nations around the world.” This invitation is a result of an agreement between the Provincial …

We have always believed that our South African Hobie sailors are the best in the world – and now they have proven this beyond doubt by taking all 3 top spots on the podium in the Hobie Tiger Worlds. The day finished as a bit of an anti-climax as there was no wind, so yesterdays overall race results became fact. Well done to our new World Champions – William Edwards and his son Douglas. 2nd were Blaine Dodds and his …

It’s all over now bar the de-brief and post-mortems. The final result was disappointing for Asenathi Jim and Alex Burger who ended 13th overall, but who were in with a very good change of a podium finish before a string of poor reslts and UFD (U-Flag Disqualification) put paid to their chances. Better news is that the young team of Brevan Thompson and Josh Rubenstien finished 34 overall and 4th in the silver fleet – this in a strong 60 …

It’s the final day of the Hobie Tiger Worlds on lake Garda – and South African sailors hold all 3 positions on the podium. It will be an historic occasion if after racing today they all finish with podium places. Just a single point separates William Edwards and Blaine Dodds, with Sean Ferry not behind them. And, just for good measure we have Brandon Witjenburg in 8th overall and Mike Goodyer in 10th – so that 5 RSA teams in …

The race committee sent the Hobie Tiger and Wild Cats off the beach for four races in 6-11 knots. The Tigers have William and Douglas Edwards (RSA) in the lead with 5,3,2,1 scorecard. William said “it was much easier to just hit one of the corners and take your chances.” Former Hobie 16 world champion Shaun Ferry, “we had two seconds and should have a third. We did one lap less and then had to unwind ourselves and then chase …

Yesterday was not the best of days for Asenathi Jim and Alex Burger as they finished the two races with a 17 and a UFD (U-Flag Disqualification). Such a pity as this has dropped them down to 14th place overall – and unless they get some really top results in the next few races may well miss the cut for the medal race. The other team of Brevan Thompson & Josh Rubenstein are in 34th place and 4th overall in …

In what was from all accounts a very light wind day, Asenathi Jim and Alex Burger climbed 2 spots into 5th place overall today. They are just a single point off 4th and with some good finishes can still challenge for a podium position. Plus, if they keep their form, they will make it to the medal race on the final day.     Brevan Thompson and Josh Rubenstein did fare as well yesterday and dropped 4 places overall, yet …

Edition 46 of the Rolex Fastnet Race commences in mid-August. In the year of its 90th anniversary, this biennial legend promises to write an impressive new chapter. An anticipated 390 yachts from over 25 different countries sailed by 4,000 yachtsmen and women are expected to cross the start line in Cowes on Sunday 16 August for this famous 603nm offshore race. The current record of 336 yachts was set two years ago – proof that the race’s popularity and appeal …

The latest ISAF World Rankings were released today, with both Stefano Marcia and the team of Graeme Willcox & Andrew Tarboton moving upwards, Stefano in particular making a big jump after his fine performance in the recent Laser Worlds. The top ranked South Africans in the 3 listed classes are all hoping to compete in the Rio Olympics next year. Stefano Marcia has qualified the country and needs to be selected by SA and SASCOC. RSA World Rankings 470 Men …

Winds have been light since the start of this event with racing yesterday only starting after 16h00 when the local thermal breeze (the “boukadoura”) appeared with an intensity of over 6 knots. An hour later, after the race had started, it built to 8 knots and reached 13 knots. The weather forecast for the next few days is challenging as the heat wave and the lack of winds until late afternoon may constrain racing somewhat. Asenathi and Alex have made …

The RaceAhead team competing in the 470 Junior (u23) worlds in Greece have kicked off the event in pretty good style. Asenathi Jim (23) and crewman Alex Burger (19) are 7th overall after 3 races. They began with a Black Flag in race 1 and followed that with a 1 & 6. Let’s hope we see many more 1st places on their scoresheet in the next few days. Brevan Thompson (22) and crewman Josh Rubenstien (21) are 34th overall with …

This man is simply invincible in a Hobie as he has won himself another World title by winning the Hobie 14 Worlds by a massive 20 points from his closest rival. He adds this title to a string of Hobie World titles he has previously won.     And adding to the success of the RSA team at this years event, Sean Ferry finished on the podium with a 3rd overall in the Hobie 16 Masters. In the Hobie 16 …

It should not come as a surprise to those who know Blaine Dodds that he is leading the world championship fleet after 3 races. He is a master in everything ‘Hobie’ and knows how to make them fast – no super-fast! And don’t forget that Blaine is the Sailing Magazine ‘Sailor of the Year’. On day 1 he started with a 3rd and then finished with two bullets to give him a good lead going into day 2. Charles Girard …

This event is on Lake Garda and starts today (Thursday) when the Hobie 14 Worlds kicks off. There are several different classes in which the 15 South African teams will compete – and they will be up against over 200 teams from 26 countries. South African teams have an awesome track record at international Hobie events, so let’s hope that they can maintain their dominance and come home with many world titles and podium finishes. Those to watch are Blaine Dodds, Allan …

The husband and wife team of Tony and Sigi Bailes who compete on their Fast 42 Nemesis, have entered. This team was one of the first to enter this years race, and sailed an exceptionally good race in a boat that was still relatively new to them. They finished 3rd over the line and 3rd overall on the IRC division. They also won the ABYC Trophy for the first Algoa Bay Yacht Club trophy across the line. This is a …